Shivani Nagaram is set to make her Telugu film debut as the protagonist in “Ambajipeta Marriage Band” alongside Suhas. The film, jointly produced by GA2 Pictures, director Venkatesh Maha under Mahayana Motion Pictures, and Dheeraj Mogileni Entertainment banners, is directed by Dushyant Katikineni and is scheduled to hit theaters on February 2. In a recent interview, Shivani provided insights into her journey and the film.
Feeling both delighted and nervous, Shivani considers herself fortunate to enter Tollywood with a strong project and under a prominent banner. She eagerly awaits the audience’s reaction, emphasizing the responsibility that accompanies being part of such a significant film. Hailing from Hyderabad, Shivani traveled to another town for the film’s shoot, spending 75 enjoyable days in the Amalapuram and Ambajipeta regions. She expressed gratitude for the warm reception and love received from the locals.
The role came to Shivani through an audition, initially targeting a friend’s character but ultimately securing the lead role. Despite being a Kuchipudi dancer in real life, she didn’t have the chance to showcase her dance skills in the film. Playing the character Lakshmi, Shivani found emotional scenes challenging but prepared rigorously for a month before shooting began. She commended the well-developed characters and emphasized the importance of thorough preparation in making the acting process smoother.
Working with National Award winner Suhas was a joyful and comfortable experience for Shivani. She acknowledged the influence of co-actors on performance and expressed gratitude for Suhas’s support, especially as it was her debut film. Shivani hopes for more opportunities for talented Telugu actresses to gain recognition in Tollywood, emphasizing the advantages of language familiarity in quick and efficient film production.
Director Dushyant Katikineni, according to Shivani, has given significance to every character in “Ambajipeta Marriage Band.” She praised the well-written roles, citing the importance of each character, including her own as Lakshmi, Suhas’s character, and others. Shivani refrained from revealing too much about the plot but teased that each character adds beauty to the narrative.
Expressing her aspirations, Shivani revealed a desire to portray roles that are not just about being heroines but are integral to the story, allowing her to showcase her acting talent. She spoke about the promotional tour across Andhra Pradesh, where the team received immense love and affection from places like Vizag, Vijayawada, Eluru, and Rajahmundry.
Shivani expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming response to the teaser and trailer of “Ambajipeta Marriage Band.” She particularly highlighted the love received during the trailer launch and hopes that her character, Lakshmi, will be well-received by the audience.
When asked about her favorite song from the film, Shivani mentioned “Gumma” and expressed her anticipation for signing new projects post the movie’s release. Although she has received offers, she is yet to confirm her next project. Finally, Shivani listed her favorite actors, including legends like Savitri and Sridevi, along with contemporary stars like Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Allu Arjun, Nani, and her co-star Suhas.
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